Santa Barbara Travel Guides

The sunny city of Santa Barbara has a Spanish influence – think white buildings with colorful ceramic tiles and red roofs – and the Mediterranean vibe extends to the celebrated sandy beaches. As you'd expect from such a popular location, Santa Barbara offers a wide choice of hotels for visitors, whether you are seeking a chic city break or will be spending most of your time by the coast, and there's accommodation to suit all budgets.

Shopping enthusiasts will be in paradise when visiting Santa Barbara, and whether you're a lover of high end designer labels, or prefer to browse bohemian boutiques for that unique find, all sorts of styles are catered for in this diverse city. The natural beauty of the area, coupled with the warm temperature, means that outdoor shopping is generally favored over giant malls, so take your time and enjoy the serene atmosphere Santa Barbara offers.

Santa Barbara has a wealth of attractions – just ambling around enjoying the Mediterranean architecture is enjoyable in itself, and there are also stimulating museums of art and science. The city is also a popular family vacation spot, and there's plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around in the sunshine. Whether it's a stroll down one of the scenic roads, or a drive in the open countryside, there's always something to keep you engrossed.

Set on a long, sandy stretch of beach, with palm trees and clear seas, Santa Barbara is a vacation paradise that attracts surfers, sun seekers, and wine lovers. Often nicknamed the American Riviera, the city has a distinctly European atmosphere, with a busy cultural calendar and red-roofed Spanish-style architecture. There's even a warm Mediterranean climate that makes it ideal for growing grapes, and a rolling landscape of lush green valleys full of wineries.

Its position close to the sea, and enviably proximity to fields and groves of fruit and vegetables, means that Santa Barbara's restaurants are obsessed with fresh ingredients. The exclusive location means that you'll find plenty of fine dining hotspots where a celebrity sighting is an everyday occurrence. However, there are also plenty of casual and cozy restaurants where you can enjoy good food for comfortably small price tags.